Tamil Nadu Assembly election: DMDK joins DMK-led alliance

DMDK joins DMK alliance, with leader Premallatha predicting over 200 seat wins in upcoming elections, marking a historic collaboration.

The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by actor Vijayakant, joined the DMK alliance on Thursday (February 19, 2026). Its leader Premallatha Vijayakant met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin at the DMK’s headquarters ‘Anna Arivalayam’ in Chennai. She was accompanied by her brother L.K. Sudheesh.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhyanidhi Stalin, DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi, senior Minister K.N. Nehru were also present during the meeting.

“You have been asking about the alliance, and now there is an answer to your question. We have finalised the alliance,” said Ms. Premallatha.

She said the alliance was formed as per the wishes of DMDK district secretaries and cadre. “Our leader, Captain (Vijayakant), wanted this to happen in 2016 itself, and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) even said, ‘The fruit is about to slip into the milk.’ Captain is not with us now, but the alliance has happened after 10 years,” the DMDK general secretary added.

Ms. Premallatha said this was the first time the DMDK had formed such an alliance, and that party members and leaders from both sides had welcomed it. “We will win more than 200 seats,” she said. However, she did not answer questions about whether she would contest the election or about the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat.

“A committee will be formed to discuss the seats and candidates, and the final decision will be announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,” she said.